Bad Weyr Day, D'gan?
EXCERPT
“My Lord!” Zist called. “Of old the dragonriders of Pern have been courteous in responding to the just requests of the Holders and Crafters.”
D’gan stopped and whirled back, his hand on the dagger at his side. “Courtesy is much lacking in this Camp. Of old the dragonriders have been given more respect and have not been asked to provide frivolous thrill rides. Do not presume on my courtesy anymore!”
“Thrill ride?” Master Zist repeated, appalled, staring at D’gan.
“It is indeed to redress a serious problem at this Camp. We have no watch-wher, and our mining efforts cannot continue without the aid of one,” Natalon explained.
“We are to collect a new egg from Master Aleesa and time is of the essence,” the Harper went on.
“Oh.” There was studied insult in D’gan’s manner as he inspected the three in front of him.
“Our Dask died leading us to a tunnel collapse,” Kindan was bold enough to say.
“It enabled us to rescue the others,” Natalon said.
“So, a watch-wher is your hero?” D’gan added.
To everyone’s surprise, the dragon dropped his head toward their cluster and made a funny snort. It sounded a bit like a noise Dask might have made.
“He was, I gather, just doing his duty.”
Stung, Kindan replied. “Had he rested, he would have lived. He did not rest while miners were trapped in a dark cave-in.”
D’gan made a dismissive gesture with his hand. “You have only convinced me that Telgar’s previous Weyrleader was far too accommodating. Asking a dragon to give transport to collect a watch-wher.” He snorted again and smoothed his hair back. “Thread is coming again, as you should know, Harper. Do not presume on Interval courtesies anymore.”
The previous paragraphs are excerpted from Dragon's Kin by Anne McCaffrey and Todd J. McCaffrey. Copyright © 2003 by Anne McCaffrey and Todd J. McCaffrey.